Embolizing Sclerosing Hydrogel

ABSTRACT

A sclerosing embolizing hydrogel comprising from about 0.1% by weight to about 4.0% by weight of chitosan; from about 0.01M to about 1M of hydrochloric acid; from 0% by volume to about 40% by volume of iopamidol; from 0.5% by weight to about 25% by weight of β-glycerophosphate disodium salt; and from about 0.05% by weight to about 4% by weight of sodium tetradecyl sulphate. Also a kit for synthesizing the hydrogel and a method using the hydrogel to treat a vascular defect in a subject.

The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/344,089 filed May 20, 2010, the contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the art of medical treatments. More specifically, the present invention is concerned with an embolizing sclerosing hydrogel and its applications in treatments of vascular defects.

BACKGROUND

Endovascular aneurysm repair is an alternative to surgical repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm which enables to reduce patient operating risks and time of recovery. However, this treatment is presently limited by the persistence of blood leaks (called endoleaks). Some of these endoleaks (type II endoleaks) can be treated by injecting an embolizing agent to block blood flow.

Several embolizing agents (mainly N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) [1-4], Ethylenevinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH, Onyx® [5, 6], polyurethane fragments and fibrin glue [7], combined or not with coils [4, 8]) have been tested recently for the treatment of endoleaks or for their prophylactic prevention by injection into the aneurismal sac. Although these studies showed that sac embolization has potential to minimize endoleak occurrence, they also show that materials existing presently are limited. Recurrence of endoleaks are frequent. It is believed to be due to recanalisation process through or around the injected materials. The same limitation occurs when prophylactic injection of embolizing agent around the implant is performed in order to prevent endoleak formation [3, 9, 10]. It is believed that combining embolizing and sclerosing properties would improve clinical results by inducing endothelial denudation and thus preventing recanalisation processes and promoting fibrosis and healing. The only commercialized embolizing agent that may present sclerosing properties to date is cyanoacrylate. However this agent is not biodegradable and such embolizing agent do not exist presently or they do not present adequate mechanical and biodegradation properties.

In the case of arteriovenous malformation, sclerosing agents such as ethanol and sodium tetradecyl sulphate foams are already used to permanently occlude the vessels. However, these agents are far from ideal since their poor mechanical properties make injection difficult to control and do not enable to efficiently occlude blood flow.

Endovascular aneurysms repair (EVAR) clinical outcome is severely limited by the persistence of blood flow perfusing the aneurysm, called endoleaks, observed in 10% to 36% of cases [14-17]. The most frequent type of endoleak is type II endoleak, which corresponds to retrograde flow from collateral arteries [18, 19]. Persistent type II endoleaks with sac size progression require interventions as they can lead to aneurysm rupture [14, 15, 17, 18, 20-26]. Several attempts have been recently made to treat or prevent type II endoleaks using coils or polymeric embolising agents (mainly N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) [1-4], Ethylenevinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH, Onyx® [5, 6], polyurethane fragments [27] and fibrin glue [7], combined or not with coils [4, 8]. These studies showed that sac embolization has potential to minimize endoleak occurrence. However, embolization failure (recurrence, recanalisation) was reported with all tested agents. Prophylactic embolization of the inferior mesenteric and/or lumbar arteries or of the entire aneurismal sac during EVAR has also been proposed in patients to prevent endoleak formation, once again with limited success [3, 9, 10]. Uflacker et al. reported a high proportion of residual leaks in an animal model despite deacetylated glucosamine injection into the aneurysm [28]. In a human study, injection of fibrin glue decreased the rate but did not completely prevent type II endoleaks (2.4%) [7]. Injectable agents developed to date are not only unable to treat or prevent all endoleaks. They are also far from ideal for such clinical use. Cyanoacrylate and Onyx are difficult to control during injection, are non-biodegradable and non porous, thus preventing tissue healing in the cast. Their long-term biocompatibility is questionable. Moreover they are also very radiopaque and could create a diagnostic challenge in surveillance imaging studies. The two components of fibrin glue must be injected separately and cannot easily fill up the cavity, since they immediately form a blood clot.

Accordingly, there is a need in the industry to provide a gel for repairing aneurysms and other vascular defects. An object of the present invention is therefore to provide such a gel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a broad aspect, the invention provides a sclerosing embolizing hydrogel comprising: from about 0.1% by weight to about 4.0% by weight of chitosan; from about 0.01M to about 1M of an acid; from 0.5% by weight to about 25% by weight of p-glycerophosphate disodium salt; and from about 0.05% by weight to about 4% by weight of sodium tetradecyl sulphate.

In some embodiments of the invention, the acid is selected from the group consisting of: acetic acid, ascorbic acid, salicylic acid, phosphoric acid, hydrochloric acid, propionic acid, formic acid, lactic acid and mixtures thereof. In a very specific embodiment of the invention, the acid is hydrochloric acid.

In some embodiments of the invention, the hydrogel has a pH of from about 7 to about 7.4. This pH is physiological and advantageous for injection in the human body.

In some embodiments of the invention, the hydrogel further comprises an imaging contrast agent. For the purpose of this document an imaging contrast agent is a substance that improves the visibility of the hydrogel when using a medical imaging device when compared to a situation in which the contrast agent is not present in the hydrogel. For example, the imaging contrast agent is a radiopaque substance, but other types of contrast agent are within the scope of the present invention. For example, the imaging contrast agent is a radiopaque substance. In some embodiments of the invention, the imaging contrast agent is selected from the group consisting of: Hypaque Meglumine, Reno, Conray, Renograffin, Hypaque Sodium, Hexabrix, Oxilan, iohexol (Omnipaque), iopamidol (Isovue), iopromide (Ultravist), ioversol (Optiray), iodixanol (Visipaque), iothalamate (Conray) and ioxaglate (Hexabrix). Iohexol (Omnipaque), iopamidol (Isovue), iopromide (Ultravist) and ioversol (Optiray) are non-ionic monomers. Iodixanol (Visipaque) is a non-ionic dimer. Iothalamate (Conray) is an ionic monomer. Ioxaglate (Hexabrix) is an ionic dimer. The proposed hydrogel is therefore usable with a wide range of divers imaging contrast agents.

In a specific embodiments of the invention, the imaging contrast agent is iopamidol. For example, the hydrogel comprises from 0% by volume to about 40% by volume of iopamidol.

In some embodiments of the invention, the hydrogel has a storage modulus of from about 1 kPa to about 10 kPa. This storage modulus is as measured when the hydrogel is completely gelled. Hydrogels having these properties are useful in many medical applications.

In some embodiments of the invention, the chitosan has a degree of deacetylation of from about 80% to about 95%. In some specific embodiments of the invention, the chitosan has a degree of deacetylation of from about 80% to about 85%. This percentage has been found to be optimal for biodegradation of the hydrogel for certain procedures. Indeed, adjusting suitably the degree of deacetylation allows for an adjustment of the biodegradability of the hydrogel, and therefore influences its rate of disappearance in the body.

In some embodiments of the invention, the hydrogel includes from about 1% by weight to about 3% by weight of sodium tetradecyl sulphate. While this interval is strictly supported by experimental data presented hereinbelow, the larger interval for the concentration of STS given hereinabove is thought to be achievable with useful mechanical properties in view of the experiments that were performed.

In a specific embodiment of the invention, the hydrogel includes about 2% by weight of chitosan; about 0.1M of hydrochloric acid; about 12% by weight of β-glycerophosphate disodium salt; about 1% by weight of sodium tetradecyl sulphate; and about 20% by volume of iopamidol.

In another specific embodiment of the invention, the hydrogel includes: about 2% by weight of chitosan; about 0.1M of hydrochloric acid; about 10% by weight of β-glycerophosphate disodium salt; about 3% by weight of sodium tetradecyl sulphate; and about 20% by volume of iopamidol.

In another broad aspect, the invention provides a kit for synthesizing a sclerosing embolizing hydrogel, the kit comprising: a first container containing chitosan in an acid solution; and a second container containing β-glycerophosphate disodium salt and sodium tetradecyl sulphate.

In some embodiments of the invention, the first container also contains an imaging contrast agent. In some embodiments of the invention, the kit further comprises a mixer for mixing the contents of the first and second containers. In some embodiments, the second container contains an aqueous solution in which β-glycerophosphate disodium salt and sodium tetradecyl sulphate are dissolved. In other embodiments, the β-glycerophosphate disodium salt and sodium tetradecyl sulphate are provided in any other suitable manner.

In another broad aspect, the invention provides a method for treating a vascular defect in a subject, for example a non-human mammal or a human, the method comprising implanting at an implantation site in the subject the hydrogel as defined hereinabove. For the purpose of this document, the terminology vascular defect relates to a vascular structure that requires an alteration.

In some embodiments of the invention, the vascular defect is selected from the group consisting of: an aneurysm, an abdominal aortic aneurysm and a vascular anomaly. In some examples, the vascular defect is an endoleak after endovascular aneurysm repair. In other examples, the vascular defect is a vascular anomaly selected from the group consisting of an arteriovenous malformation, a venous malformation, a lymphatic malformation, an hemangioma, a varicocele and pelvic congestion syndrome.

In some embodiments of the invention, the implantation site is substantially adjacent the vascular defect.

In some embodiments of the invention, the method uses a catheter defining a catheter proximal end and an opposed catheter distal end. Implanting the hydrogel includes: inserting the catheter in the subject with the catheter distal end positioned substantially adjacent the implantation site and the catheter proximal end provided outside of the subject; mixing precursor solutions of the hydrogel outside of the catheter to form a mixed hydrogel forming solution and injecting the hydrogel forming solution through the catheter at the implantation site. The hydrogel is thus implanted at the implantation site. For the purpose of this document, the terminology hydrogel forming indicates a solution that is in process of gelation or which has completed this process.

In some embodiments of the invention, the method further includes stenting the vascular defect before injecting the hydrogel forming solution. In some embodiments of the invention, the method further includes excluding blood flow at the implantation site before injecting the hydrogel forming solution.

The present invention relates to a new injectable embolizing material with sclerosing properties. While many uses for the hydrogel have been described hereinabove, such material could also be used to treat other pathologies, such as for the treatment of cancer.

Many pathologies require embolizing treatments but materials existing presently do not lead to satisfactory results. The proposed hydrogel is a new embolizing material based on a new paradigm and which has unique properties enabling a safe, efficient and durable embolization.

The terminology “about” as used in this document qualifying a quantity refers to small variations in the numerical value qualified that would not affect the physical and chemical properties of the proposed hydrogel in a significant manner, as appreciated by a person skilled in the art.

The present application cites many documents, the contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of preferred embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1, in an X-Y graph illustrates the time dependence of storage modulus (G′) of a radiopaque hydrogel in accordance with an embodiment of the invention as a function of sodium tetradecyl sulphate (STS) concentration (0, 1, 2 and 3% w/v) at 37° C., increasing concentrations of STS providing an improvement in rheological and mechanical properties for embolization;

FIG. 2, in an X-Y graph, illustrates the time dependence of storage (G′) and loss (G″) moduli of a radiopaque STS solution (20% v/v iopamidol (IOP), 3% w/v STS, without chitosan hydrogel) at 37° C., a viscous liquid behavior being observed without any rigid mechanical properties;

FIG. 3, in a bar chart, illustrates the storage modulus (G′) of radiopaque chitosan hydrogel (2% w/v chitosan (CH), 20% v/v IOP, 12% w/v β-glycerophosphate (βGP) obtained after 1 week of gelation at 37° C. as a function of STS concentration (0, 1, 2 and 3% w/v), showing that the storage modulus is increased after 1 week as a function of STS concentration, thus enabling better embolization properties, the present invention solving many problems inherent in the art as the chitosan/STS hydrogel is much stronger than the STS (3%) foam and can displace the blood into aneurysm more effectively;

FIG. 4, in a photograph, illustrates the porous structure of the chitosan/STS hydrogel (2% w/v CH, 20% v/v IOP, 12% w/v βGP, 3% w/v STS), as observed by scanning electron microscopy after gold sputtering;

FIG. 5, in an X-Y graph, illustrates the swelling properties as a function of STS concentrations (2% w/v CH, 12% w/v βGP, 20% v/v IOP) of chitosan hydrogel immersed in PBS buffer at 37° C., where an * indicates a significant differences (p<0.05) of swelling equilibrium obtained after 8 days compared to chitosan hydrogel; and

FIG. 6, in a flowchart, illustrates a method for treating a vascular defect in a subject in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to the development of an embolizing agent with sclerosis properties which combines appropriate mechanical, biocompatibility, biodegradation and gelation properties for such applications. The hydrogel created is based on chitosan, a biocompatible biodegradable biomaterial and sodium tetradecyl sulphate (STS), a sclerosing agent. Methods were developed to create an embolic sclerosing hydrogel which does not precipitate, has superior mechanical properties and enables controlled injection.

The present invention relates to an embolic hydrogel with sclerosing properties. The composition of this hydrogel is:

-   -   Chitosan (CH).     -   β-glycerophosphate (βGP).         -   Sodium tetradecyl sulphate (STS).     -   Depending on the desired application, the hydrogel can be         created radiopaque or not, by addition of a contrast agent such         as Iopamidol (or others). Radiopacity is important in some         treatments of abdominal aortic aneurysms. It is sometimes not         required for some vascular malformations. Also, it is         contemplated to use other imaging contrast agents for augmenting         the contrast of the hydrogel using other imaging modalities.

The unique combination of chitosan, βGP and STS enables to create an embolic sclerosing hydrogel with good mechanical properties, that can be injected easily and has immediate mechanical properties adequate for embolization, as illustrated in FIG. 1. The addition of a contrast agent such as Iopamidol does not prevent gelation and only slightly increases its final mechanical properties.

The unique association of chitosan, βGP and STS provides more appropriate rheological and mechanical properties compared to chitosan+βGP (FIG. 1) or to STS alone, which is liquid (FIG. 2). It is also possible to create an hydrogel that has many properties suitable for medical treatment, such as a physiological pH, for example between 7.0 and 7.4.

The addition of β GP enables to add STS to chitosan without inducing its precipitation. The procedure of fabrication itself (pH of each component before mixing and the order of addition) is important to avoid precipitation or phase separation of chitosan at physiological pH, as shown in Table 1.

The proposed hydrogel is an elastic material (G′>1000 Pa), as compared to STS foam (viscous material) that is presently used in the treatment of arteriovenous malformations (FIG. 2).

The proposed hydrogel increases the storage modulus of chitosan+βGP hydrogels, thus enabling better embolization properties, as illustrated in Table 2. For example, just after mixing, G′ of chitosan+βGP is around 10 Pa compared with chitosan/STS (1357 Pa). After 1 week of gelation at 37° C., G′ of chitosan+βGP is 1213 Pa compared with chitosan/STS (3297 Pa) (FIG. 3).

The proposed hydrogel adds sclerosing properties to chitosan, which prevents recanalisation processes and promotes fibrosis (healing).

The hydrogel is a porous matrix appropriate for cell invasion during healing process, as shown in FIG. 4.

The hydrogel can be become radiopaque by addition of a non-ionic contrast agent (for example at 20% v/v) which does not significantly modify its gelation or mechanical properties. The contrast agent is simply entrapped in the hydrogel and is rapidly eliminated and thus does not to interfere with further imaging follow-up.

If required, the two solutions required to create the chitosan/STS hydrogel can be sterilized before mixing and the chitosan/STS hydrogel is considered as a ready-to-use biomaterial. Indeed, the proposed hydrogel can be provided as a kit in which a first container a first container contains chitosan in an acid solution and a second container containing β-glycerophosphate disodium salt and sodium tetradecyl sulphate. In some embodiments, the first container also contains an imaging contrast agent. The containers contain sufficient quantities of materials at proper concentrations to synthesize an hydrogel for the application for which it is intended in sufficient quantity.

The two solutions used to create the hydrogel can be mixed in the operating room, using a suitable mixer, and then injected via catheter without significant damage on its mechanical properties.

The proposed hydrogel is believed to be the first product with sclerosing properties proposed to treat endoleaks or do prophylactic prevention of endoleaks in abdominal aortic aneurysms. The two principle roles of the chitosan/STS hydrogel are the embolization of aneurysm sacs or other structures (to block any blood flow entering the aneurysms) and to cause an irreversible endothelial injury in the aneurysm sac (or other structure) to prevent recanalisation process by endothelial cells that could lead to recurrence of blood flow after a while, this process being thought to be a cause of failure of presently used embolic treatments.

Such an embolic sclerotic agent has a large commercial potential for the treatment of endoleak or for their prophylatic prevention by injection just after stent-graft (SG) deployment. The proposed hydrogel has many advantages compared to presently used agents (mainly Histoacryl (cyanoacrylate) and Onyx (polyvinyalcool mixed with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMS), Embogel (Alginate mixed with calcium chloride). Indeed:

1) The hydrogel's sclerosing effect is well controlled. STS is an anionic surfactant that has been demonstrated to destroy endothelial lining in vivo. It is commonly used in sclerotherapy. Its combination with the cationic chitosan limits its diffusion during the EVAR procedure and thus decreases safety risks. It can be added at any concentrations, based on clinical data). In Onyx, DMSO can also have a sclerosing effect. Yet DMSO is liquid and can be easily release in surrounding tissues.

2) Gelation of chitosan/STS was found to be adequate to allow easy clinical handling, positioning and injection while limiting risks of migration in vivo. The rapid increase of storage modulus avoids risks of migration but does not require to be mixed in vivo as other products, nor create risk of catheter adhesion in vivo. In contrast, rapid polymerisation of cyanoacrylate can lead to catheter obstruction and sticking into the treated arteries.

3) The mechanical properties of the proposed hydrogel (above 1000 Pa after gelation) are sufficient for flow occlusion in the aneurismal sac but its viscosity allows it to easily fill and mold to any shape or defect in vivo (in contrast to cyanacrylate that often lead to empty spaces).

4) Chitosan is biocompatible and biodegradable. It forms a porous matrix which can be infiltrated and progressively replaced by tissue, thus not impairing the healing process after EVAR [11] in contrast to permanent Onyx and cyanoacrylate that are permanent.

5) Chitosan/STS is also biodegradable. After injection in the rabbit auricular artery, chitosan/STS prepared with chitosan 83% DDA was shown to be replaced by fibrous tissue within 1 month. The degree of deacetylation (DDA) of chitosan can be modified to modify the degradation rate.

6) Chitosan is hemostatic and may thus favour thrombosis in the aneurismal sac [11]. It is muco-adhesive, and by binding with surrounding tissues, should allow good flow occlusion and limit migration.

The addition of β-glycerophosphate salt allows to avoid precipitation of chitosan before its gelation in a viscoelastic hydrogel. Addition of sodium tetradecyl sulphate increases the gelation rate and leads to better mechanical properties compared to chitosan alone, as characterized by rheometry (FIG. 3). This allows good embolization properties in vivo, as assessed on efficient embolization of renal artery, as described hereinbelow.

Example

Materials & Methods

Materials

Medium molecular weight (Mw) chitosan (Mw˜4.2×10⁵ Da) with a relatively high degree of deacetylation (DDA˜83%) and β-glycerophosphate disodium salt hydrate (βGP) were used in this study. Chitosan with other DDA could be used alternatively to modify the degradation rate. The imaging contrast agent used in this study was iopamidol (IOP) from Bracco Diagnostics Inc. (Canada) but other liquid iodinated contrast agents can also be used. Also, in other embodiments of the invention, other suitable imaging contrast agents are usable. Sodium tetradecyl sulphate (STS), dibasic sodium phosphate, monobasic sodium phosphate and hydrochloric acid were acquired from Sigma-Aldrich (Canada).

Preparation of STS Solution at Physiological pH

Different STS solutions were prepared at different concentrations by diluting STS solution (27% w/v) until an appropriate volume of dibasic sodium phosphate/monobasic sodium phosphate was obtained.

Preparation of Radiopaque Chitosan Hydrogel with Sclerosing Properties: Chitosan/STS

A chitosan solution was prepared by dissolving chitosan powder in 0.1M HCl with an appropriate amount of iopamidol at room temperature under constant magnetic stirring. The sample was sterilized at 121° C. for 20 min and stoked at 4° C. for 24 h. βGP-STS solutions were prepared by dissolving an appropriate amount of βGP powder in STS solution. The βGP-STS solution was then sterilized using a 0.2 μm filter. The βGP/STS solution was mixed with chitosan solution to form the radiopaque chitosan hydrogel at 37° C. with sclerosing properties (chitosan/STS).

Rheological Measurements

Rheological measurements were performed using the Bohlin CVO rheometre (Malvern Instruments Inc., USA) equipped with co-axial cylinder or parallel-plate geometry and a circulating water bath to control the temperature. Rheological data were collected using the Bohlin software. Small-amplitude oscillatory shear experiments were performed at 37° C. The time evolution of storage (or elastic) modulus G′ and loss (or viscous) modulus G″ was determined within the linear viscoelastic region, at fixed frequency (1 Hz) and stress amplitude (1 Pa). The time dependence of G′ and G″ of chitosan hydrogels were measured as a function of STS concentration. The gelation time (t_(gel)) was then determined as the time at which G′=G″ in accordance with the approach proposed in the literature [12, 13]. The study was performed in triplicate.

Swelling Properties

After the hydrogel reached gelation equilibrium (1 week of gelation at 37° C.), the degree of swelling was determined by keeping lyophilized specimens in phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.4) at 37° C. and recording variations in their weight in comparison to their initial weight (W₀). At regular time intervals, the hydrogels were weighed (W_(t)) and medium was changed. The swelling ratio (S_(W)) of hydrogels was calculated using the following equation:

$S_{w} = \frac{W_{t} - W_{0}}{W_{0}}$

where W_(t) and W₀ are the weights of the water-swollen samples and the initial lyophilized hydrogel samples, respectively. The study was performed in triplicate. Results are shown in FIG. 5.

Morphology of Chitosan/STS Hydrogels

The morphology of chitosan/STS hydrogels was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). After 1 week of gelation at 37° C., the prepared specimens were freeze-dried under vacuum during 24 h and sputter-coated with gold, and their morphology was observed. As chitosan hydrogels, chitosan-STS hydrogels were shown to exhibit a porous structure, as seen in FIG. 4.

In Vivo Testing of Chitosan/STS Hydrogels

Chitosan/STS hydrogels were tested in vivo in various studies.

-   -   Rabbit artery model: The objective of this experiment was to         investigate if embolization with chitosan/STS can prevent         endothelial recanalization in a rabbit auricular artery (AA)         model. Each AA was canulated and injected with 0.6 ml of         chitosan (chitosan 2% w/v, iopamidol 20% v/v, BGP 12% w/v) (OCh;         n=14) on one side and either saline (OSal; n=2), chitosan/STS 1%         (chitosan 2% w/v, iopamidol 20% v/v, BGP 12% w/v, STS 1% w/v)         (OCS1; n=6), or chitosan/STS 3% (chitosan 2% w/v, iopamidol 20%         v/v, BGP 12% w/v, STS 3% w/v) (OCS3; n=6) in the controlateral         side (randomly assigned). All hydrogels were prepared and         sterilized as described hereinabove. AA patency and percentage         of recanalisation was assessed by visual inspection and Laser         Doppler after embolization and at 1, 7, 14, and 30 days. The         rabbits were sacrificed at 30 days to assessed endothelial         ablation and inflammatory response by histological analyses. All         AA's were catheterized and embolized with success. After 30         days, all the OSal were patent. Percentage of recanalization in         comparison with initial embolization length were 25.6+/−34.4% in         OCS1 (6+/−7 mm), and 22.5+/−15.9% in OCS3 (12+/−8 mm) without         statistical difference with student test (p 0.05). At histology,         chitosan/STS was shown to generate inflammatory response and was         then replaced by fibrous tissue.     -   Canine model of aneurysms reproducing endoleaks after         endovascular aneurysm repair with a stent-graft were created in         3 dogs. One endoleak was treated by chitosan/STS (chitosan 2%         w/v, iopamidol 20% v/v, BGP 12% w/v, STS 3% w/v) and its         controlateral control by chitosan (chitosan 2% w/v, iopamidol         20% v/v, BGP 12% w/v). All hydrogels were prepared and         sterilized as described hereinabove. Chitosan/STS led to good         control during embolization while chitosan hydrogel showed some         migration into the collaterals. No migration into the         stent-graft lumen was observed. One small leak was visible by         angiography just after embolization but disappeared during the         first week. At three months, no endoleak was detected while         endoleak was present in ⅓ aneurysm treated with chitosan alone.         In this challenging animal model, untreated endoleak persist in         all aneurysms when left untreated.

While only some examples of hydrogels in accordance with the invention are provided, it is believed that a hydrogel according to the claims will have similar beneficial properties. Notably, it is believed, from the common knowledge present in the field of the invention and the experimental data obtained, that the following composition for the hydrogel would produce a useful hydrogel:from about 0.1% by weight to about 4.0% by weight of chitosan; from about 0.01M to about 1M of an acid; from 0.5% by weight to about 25% by weight of β-glycerophosphate disodium salt; and from about 0.05% by weight to about 4% by weight of sodium tetradecyl sulphate. Notably, while hydrochloric acid was used in this example, it is believed that at least for some applications for which the gel is intended, other acids such as acetic acid, ascorbic acid, salicylic acid, phosphoric acid, propionic acid, formic acid, lactic acid and mixtures thereof are usable.

The above suggest an embolization procedure to treat aneurisms, other vascular defects and other pathologies and defects. The procedure is exemplified by the method 100 shown in FIG. 6. The embolization procedure is similar to that of other polymeric embolization agents such as Onyx and Histoacryl. For the prevention of endoleaks after EVAR, the agent could be easily injected at the time of the endovascular treatment by an angiographic catheter which would be placed into the aneurysm before stent-graft deployment. Once the stent-graft is deployed, the aneurysm is excluded from blood flow and the agent can be safely injected into the aneurysmal sac.

To minimize risks of migration in collateral vessel, an occlusive balloon catheter can be deployed proximally in the vessel to avoid blood flow. The volume of the agent to be injected could be evaluated before based on imaging data. Injection through a Glicath 4 French (Terumo, Tokyo, Japan) have been tested with success both in vitro and in vivo.

When an endoleak has been observed during stent-graft imaging follow-up, the agent can be used to treat the endoleak. In this case, the agent could be injected by a microcatheter (for example a 3 French catheter) positioned in the collateral vessel involved in the leak. It could also be injected by direct punction into the aneurysm (under CT scan or fluoroscopy). In this case, the agent is injected with a needle (for example 21 or 22 gage) then replaced by a micropunction system and a catheter or microcatheter. In this circumstances, only a small volume would be injected into the endoleak area.

For arteriovenous malformations or other treatments, the agent can be injected directly in the nidus by a needle, or using a catheter when necessary.

The proposed hydrogel is also usable in many other treatments, for example to treat varicose veins and cancer, the later, for example, by serving as a vehicle for a therapeutic agent. In addition, STS can act on blood irrigation of a tumor though its sclerosing properties, as well as acting on the tumor through these same properties. In these applications, the proposed hydrogel is used in replacement to hydrogels used in similar methods in the prior art.

More generally, the method 100 starts at step 105. The method uses a catheter defining a catheter proximal end and an opposed catheter distal end. At step 110, the catheter is inserted in a subject to treat with the catheter distal end positioned substantially adjacent an implantation site and the catheter proximal end provided outside of the subject.

Then, at step 115, precursor solutions of the hydrogel are mixed outside of the catheter to form a mixed hydrogel forming solution. An hydrogel forming solution is a solution in process of gelation, gelation can be partial or total prior to implantation in the subject, depending on the specific application contemplated. The precursor solutions includes the components of the hydrogel. For example, one of the precursor solution includes chitosan dissolved in HCl, and a second precursor solution includes βGP and STS.

At step 130 the hydrogel forming solution is injected through the catheter at the implantation site and the hydrogel is implanted at the implantation site, where gelation continues, if necessary. The method ends at step 135

In some embodiments, the method includes a step 120 of stenting the vascular defect before injecting the hydrogel forming solution. In some embodiments, the method also includes a step 125 of excluding blood flow at the implantation site before injecting said hydrogel forming solution, using conventional methods.

The order of some of the above-recited steps can be changed without departing from the scope of the invention, as the reader skilled in the art will readily appreciate.

Although the present invention has been described hereinabove by way of preferred embodiments thereof, it can be modified, without departing from the spirit and nature of the subject invention as defined in the appended claims.

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TABLE 1 Order of preparation to obtain a chitosan hydrogel with sclerosing properties at physiological pH. Hydrogel Order of preparation formation Remarks CH + STS N Precipitation and phase separation of chitosan solution. [CH + STS] + βGP N Precipitation and phase separation of chitosan solution. The βGP addition didn't improve the hydrogel formation. [CH + βGP] + STS N Phase separation of chitosan solution. CH + βGP Y Homogenous and injectable hydrogel without sclerosing properties. CH + [βGP + STS] Y Homogenous and injectable hydrogel with sclerosing properties.

TABLE 2 Influence of STS concentration on rheological characteristics of chitosan hydrogel at 37° C. (2% w/v CH, 20% v/v IOP, 12% w/v βGP). STS (% pH at Formulation w/v) 23° C. t_(gel) (min) G′₀ (Pa)* G′_(∞) (Pa)+ CH/βGP-STS-0 0 7.24 897 ± 121 10 ± 1 1213 ± 79  CH/βGP-STS-1 1 7.30 Immediate  40 ± 23 1716 ± 402 CH/βGP-STS-2 2 7.34 Immediate 444 ± 21 2724 ± 275 CH/βGP-STS-3 3 7.39 Immediate 1357 ± 387 3297 ± 351 *Initial storage modulus at time 0. +Storage modulus after one week of gelation. 

1. A sclerosing embolizing hydrogel comprising: from about 0.1% by weight to about 4.0% by weight of chitosan; from about 0.01M to about 1M of an acid; from 0.5% by weight to about 25% by weight of β-glycerophosphate disodium salt; and from about 0.05% by weight to about 4% by weight of sodium tetradecyl sulphate.
 2. The hydrogel as defined in claim 1, wherein said acid is selected from the group consisting of: acetic acid, ascorbic acid, salicylic acid, phosphoric acid, hydrochloric acid, propionic acid, formic acid, lactic acid and mixtures thereof.
 3. The hydrogel as defined in claim 1, wherein said acid is hydrochloric acid.
 4. The hydrogel as defined in claim 1, wherein said hydrogel has a pH of from about 7 to about 7.4.
 5. The hydrogel as defined in claim 1, further comprising an imaging contrast agent.
 6. The hydrogel as defined in claim 5, wherein said imaging contrast agent is a radiopaque substance.
 7. The hydrogel as defined in claim 5, wherein said imaging contrast agent is selected from the group consisting of: Hypaque Meglumine, Reno, Conray, Renograffin, Hypaque Sodium, Hexabrix, Oxilan, iohexol (Omnipaque), iopamidol (Isovue), iopromide (Ultravist), ioversol (Optiray), iodixanol (Visipaque), iothalamate (Conray) and ioxaglate (Hexabrix).
 8. The hydrogel as defined in claim 7, wherein said imaging contrast agent is iopamidol.
 9. The hydrogel as defined in claim 8, wherein said hydrogel comprises from 0% by volume to about 40% by volume of said iopamidol.
 10. The hydrogel as defined in claim 1, wherein said hydrogel has a storage modulus of from about 1 kPa to about 10 kPa.
 11. The hydrogel as defined in claim 1, wherein said chitosan has a degree of deacetylation of from about 80% to about 95%.
 12. The hydrogel as defined in claim 12, wherein said chitosan has a degree of deacetylation of from about 80% to about 85%.
 13. The hydrogel as defined in claim 1, wherein said hydrogel includes from about 1% by weight to about 3% by weight of sodium tetradecyl sulphate.
 14. The hydrogel as defined in claim 1, wherein said hydrogel includes: about 2% by weight of chitosan; about 0.1M of hydrochloric acid; about 12% by weight of β-glycerophosphate disodium salt; and about 1% by weight of sodium tetradecyl sulphate; and wherein said hydrogel further comprises about 20% by volume of iopamidol.
 15. The hydrogel as defined in claim 1, wherein said hydrogel includes: about 2% by weight of chitosan; about 0.1M of hydrochloric acid; about 10% by weight of β-glycerophosphate disodium salt; and about 3% by weight of sodium tetradecyl sulphate; and wherein said hydrogel further comprises about 20% by volume of iopamidol.
 16. A kit for synthesizing a sclerosing embolizing hydrogel, said kit comprising: a first container containing chitosan in an acid solution; and a second container containing β-glycerophosphate disodium salt and sodium tetradecyl sulphate.
 17. The kit as defined in claim 16, wherein said first container also contains an imaging contrast agent.
 18. The kit as defined in claim 16, further comprising a mixer for mixing the contents of said first and second containers.
 19. The kit as defined in claim 16, wherein said second container contains an aqueous solution in which said β-glycerophosphate disodium salt and said sodium tetradecyl sulphate are dissolved.
 20. A method for treating a vascular defect in a subject, said method comprising implanting at an implantation site in said subject the hydrogel as defined in claim
 1. 21. The method as defined in claim 20 wherein said vascular defect is selected from the group consisting of: an aneurysm, an abdominal aortic aneurysm and a vascular anomaly.
 22. The method as defined in claim 20, wherein said vascular defect is an endoleak after endovascular aneurysm repair.
 23. The method as defined in claim 20, wherein said vascular defect is a vascular anomaly selected from the group consisting of an arteriovenous malformation, a venous malformation, a lymphatic malformation, an hemangioma, a varicocele and pelvic congestion syndrome.
 24. The method as defined in claim 20, wherein said implantation site is substantially adjacent said vascular defect.
 25. The method as defined in claim 20, said method using a catheter defining a catheter proximal end and an opposed catheter distal end, wherein implanting said hydrogel includes: inserting said catheter in said subject with said catheter distal end positioned substantially adjacent said implantation site and said catheter proximal end provided outside of said subject; mixing precursor solutions of said hydrogel outside of said catheter to form a mixed hydrogel forming solution; injecting said hydrogel forming solution through said catheter at said implantation site; whereby said hydrogel is implanted at said implantation site.
 26. The method as defined in claim 25, further comprising stenting said vascular defect before injecting said hydrogel forming solution.
 27. The method as defined in claim 25, further comprising excluding blood flow at said implantation site before injecting said hydrogel forming solution.
 28. The method as defined in claim 20, wherein said subject is a non-human mammal.
 29. The method as defined in claim 20, wherein said subject is a human. 